Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 cup panko or plain breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the brown sugar evenly across the bottom of the pan and spread a thin layer of ketchup over the sugar to create a caramelized base.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
  4. Gently mix the meatloaf ingredients by hand until just combined; do not overmix to avoid a tough texture.
  5. Press the meat mixture gently over the sugar and ketchup base in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  6. Whisk the remaining brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth.
  7. Pour the glaze over the top of the loaf, spreading it evenly to the edges.
  8. Bake for 60 minutes until the glaze is bubbling and mahogany in color, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Allow the meatloaf to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting it out and slicing to ensure juices redistribute.